The idea of vaccine passports is being increasingly discussed as a way for those who are vaccinated or negative for the coronavirus to prove they are virus-free. It’s thought that such a move might enhance safety, and hasten a return to normalcy. However, despite the fact they don’t actually exist as yet, there is skepticism, particularly in right wing circles in the US, about their use.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a vociferous opponent of such a measure. He rejects the notion of vaccine passports and plans to sign an executive order banning any businesses from requiring such documents for the use of any services, including access to movie theaters, sporting events, theme parks and airplanes.

“It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply be able to participate in normal society,” he said at a press conference this week.

The US government recently announced it is was coordinating efforts by private companies to develop a vaccine passport-style plan but it will not be managed at a federal level.

The outcome of DeSantis’ plan would see travellers require such documentation to get to Florida – for example by plane – but once there they would not require it to gain to access to restaurants or other businesses, sports or entertainment.

However, there is skepticism in many quarters that such an order could jeopardize a recovery for the MICE industry in Florida.

Also, NBA team Miami Heat plans to defy any such order and have a section at the American Airlines Arena reserved for fans who can prove they have been vaccinated.

For his part DeSantis said vaccine passports were unnecessary, and he expressed privacy concerns over large corporations’ handling of vaccine data. “You want the fox to guard the henhouse?” he said.

“Give me a break.”